What to prepare for a substantial ‘snack’ for someone arriving late from a long haul flight

[Arjan]

They will arrive around 11.30pm, I doubt they will want a big dinner, but will probably be hungry for some decent food. was thinking of doing a quiche and salad but then remembered one of them has an egg allergy.

Any ideas for something I can prepare in advance ?

Thank you.

I would do homemade soup and sandwiches. Have a pizza in the freezer/fridge in case they fancy something like that but won’t go to waste if not. Or offer cereal if they are a little peckish but don’t want much.

Where are they flying from and how far is the airport from your house?

They'll have been fed on the plane, so any time differential/travelling time after landing will factor in here.

I've regularly arrived in Australia late at night, and no way would I have wanted to eat anything when I got to the relatives on any of those occasions.

I would do soup, thick slices of bread and a picky plate of then kind with things that can be eaten the next day also. Probably some fruit and yogurt too.

A serving of Lasagne, pasta bake, shepherds pie, cold in the fridge on a plate and then IF they fancy something, its quick to re heat in the microwave. (just check the pasta is egg free).

My favorite for this scenario if I am securing my own food is something like a turkey and cheese sandwich. It’s easy on the stomach and can be made thick or thin with lots of fillings or just very simple.

another favorite option is just some cheese, cured meat, some pickles, olives, and fruit. Just a mini charcuterie plate kind of thing.

If you want to prepare something, make it something you can eat next day. And they almost won't want something substantial.

I'd have some nice bread in, and some soup.
The only thing I can imagine wanting before crashing in bed, is some toast.

I’d probably make a soup/buy a couple of tubs of fresh soup and a pack of part baked baguettes. That way if they don’t want anything it won’t get wasted, it’s minimal effort and not too heavy that late at night.

Like a pp said, you could have a pizza ready in the freezer in case they want something more substantial

Cheese toastie

I always find lentils and beans very gentle and light on the stomach or things like porridge

So something like a bean chilli/curry, or tarka dhal.

We’d have a lasagna in the fridge. Can have a little or a lot.

I agree re toast. I'd want a nice pot of breakfast tea and some toast and heather honey 😊

I did a pork pie and cheese and biscuits for some guests who arrived late. They had it in the sitting room and wolfed the lot!

Homemade sausage rolls.
That's what my mum always makes when we arrive after dinner - along with ham, bread and salad and a nice cup of tea. Stuff that can be stuck back in the fridge for lunch the next day if it's not eaten.

I always aim to arrive after dinner!

I would do home made soup and cheese toasties or crumpets, or cheese and crackers. Definitely not quiche and salad, I wouldn’t want something cold and I wouldn’t bother with salad as you just want something to fill you up a bit so you can sleep well.

I would get the bits for a nice charcuterie board with meat and cheese, a nice bread, pickles and some olives and cherry tomatoes. All of it will keep for a while if they don’t fancy it but they can just have as little or as much as they need.

What time is it likely to be by their body clock?

time in the arrival country is often significantly different.

I would do homemade vegetable soup with butter beans or lentils and perhaps some nice bread. Easily reheated and then any leftovers can be eaten next day.

I can't think of much worse than having soup or quiche at 11:30pm after a long haul flight! 🤢 They will just want to eat quickly then sleep. Bread and cheese for toast/sandwiches or pizza. And a selection of nice breakfast things for the morning.

Tea (decaf so they aren't kept awake) and toast or crumpets with a choice of sweet or savoury toppings.

Chicken wings!

Soup and toast is my go-to in situations like this. With a cake as well.

Omg I have acid reflux just reading this😂 isn't the rule you slip into the time zone of the country you arrive in ? I've never come off a plane starving in over 50 years.

Gosh keep it simple, cheese toasties are fine. I can't believe some of the suggestions on here - charcuterie boards, lasagne, shepherd's pie! At almost midnight after a flight, who on earth wants that?!

Or a nice buttery jacket potato with cheese and beans - simple but warming and filling.

The last thing I’d want after a long haul flight and with jet lag is food at 11.30pm local time! I’d much prefer a hot shower, clean sheets and to wake up as my body dictates the next morning.

If you feel the need to prepare something, makes sure it’s something that can be reheated or put away for another day as it may be rejected out of hand. Cheese and crackers with some grapes, decaf tea, water and juice etc. Then make sure you have the makings of a hearty breakfast, whatever allergies permit: eggs, bacon, toast, oatmeal etc